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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 2) investigating an influenza outbreak at a residential care home for the elderly in Sham Shui Po affecting 20 residents and one staff member. The CHP reminded members of the public and staff of institutions to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to protect against influenza.
The affected residents, comprising eight men and 12 women aged 75 to 99, had developed fever, cough and sore throat since March 17.
All of the affected residents were hospitalised and 12 of them have since been discharged. All are currently in a stable condition.
The respiratory specimens taken from six affected patients tested positive for influenza A.
Officers of the CHP visited the residential care home and advised the management to adopt measures to prevent respiratory tract infection. The home has been put under medical surveillance.
The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to protect against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
* Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
* Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
* When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
* Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
* Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
* Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
* Maintain good indoor ventilation;
* When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks when staying in such places; and
* Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
The public may visit the CHP's pages below for more information:
* The influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html);
* The weekly Flu Express report (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/2108.html);
* The update on severe influenza cases (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/flu_update_en.pdf);
* The vaccination schemes page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html); and
* The list of participating doctors (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/34664.html).
Ends/Thursday, April 2, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:08
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